- Update KB5053656 for Windows 11 introduces significant improvements to search and accessibility.
- New AI-powered features are being added exclusively to Copilot+ devices.
- This optional patch brings more than 30 system fixes and optimizations.
- Some features like location history and suggested actions have been removed.
Microsoft has made available to users a new Optional cumulative update for Windows 11 (KB5053656), corresponding to the month of March 2025. This update, which raises the system version to build 26100.3624, is aimed at those who already use the version 24H2 of the operating system, and comes with a wide variety of improvements, new features, bug fixes, and some notable removals.
The update is available through Windows Update is voluntary, although it will be included as a mandatory feature in the upcoming Patch Tuesday on April 11. Those interested can also download the manual installer from the official Microsoft catalog. This is an opportunity to get an early look at the new features that will be rolled out generally very soon. For a complete overview of the What's new in the Windows 24 2H11 update, you can consult this related article.
Key new features in KB5053656
One of the most notable additions is the improvement of the search system, now powered by artificial intelligence technology and semantic indexing models. This allows to locate files o configurations writing everyday terms, without having to remember exact names. This system is available exclusively for devices called Copilot+, which have neural processing units (NPUs) of more than 40 TOPS.
La Improved search has also been applied to File Explorer. It is now possible to locate images saved in both local and cloud storage using more natural descriptions, such as “summer beach photos”. Also, if you are experiencing common issues with your system, it is advisable to check out the article on the Windows 11 Remote Desktop issues.
In the field of entertainment, Support for a new touchpad design inspired by game controllers has been introduced. This layout is specifically designed for handheld gaming devices and maps functions like space or backspace to traditional gamepad buttons like Y or X.
The widgets on lock screen, previously available in select markets, They are now also activated for users in the European Economic Area. This includes content such as weather, sports, finance, and more. These can be customized through system settings.
Accessibility improvements include the expansion of automatic subtitles with real-time translation to more than 44 languages. This feature supports video calls, streaming content, and recording for users with Copilot+ PCs based on AMD and Intel processors.
Other changes and additional features
Voice controls have also been improved, allowing execute commands in natural language and without rigidly structured sentences. This option, however, is initially limited to Copilot+ devices with Snapdragon processors.
As for stability, Multiple bugs have been fixed. One of them affected the ctfmon.exe file, which could restart unexpectedly or generate errors when copying data. An issue that caused blue screens when waking the computer from sleep mode has also been resolved. For more information on troubleshooting update issues, you can review the article on changes in updates to avoid critical errors.
A New icon in the taskbar for direct access to the emoji panel and clipboard. Although it's a small addition, it can be useful in touch or accessibility contexts. This button can be easily disabled from the settings.
For more advanced users, specific fixes have been detected in authentication systems. These include an improvement to the logon procedure when using FIDO or Kerberos credentials, especially after changing the password or in hybrid domain environments. Furthermore, The location history API used by Cortana has been permanently retired. This implies that the system will no longer store movement history Device, and the associated controls have been removed from the configuration.
Microsoft has also shelved the “suggested actions” feature. after copying data such as phone numbers or dates. Although it promised to streamline common tasks, in practice it had little impact on users.
Specific fixes to applications and system components
El File Explorer has received a fix for the three-dot (“See more”) menu, which in some cases opened off-screen. This error was especially annoying when using full resolution displays.
Menu Windows startup has been adjusted to avoid unnecessary entries after canceling problematic updates. Bad accesses will no longer be generated at boot when rollback errors occur.
In the graphic section, Support issues with HDR content on Dolby Vision displays have been resolved. Some users noticed that HDR mode was not activating correctly, displaying reduced quality. For a more detailed analysis of this type of issue, you can check out the article on USB 1.0 audio errors in Windows 11.
Task Manager now more accurately calculates CPU usage. The measurement method has been adjusted to match industry standards, and an optional column has been added for those who wish to continue viewing the old values.
A bug that prevented some critical PowerShell modules from running under certain security policies (WDAC) has also been fixed. This improvement primarily affects enterprise environments with strict configurations.
Known issues and warnings
Microsoft has acknowledged two persistent bugs in this update. The first one affects users of devices with ARM processors unable to install and run Roblox from the Microsoft Store. It is recommended to download the game directly from its official website.
The second has to do with Enterprise environments using Citrix components (such as Session Recording Agent v2411). In certain cases, the installation of older security updates may fail, although a documented workaround has been released by Citrix.
Users who do not install this optional update now They will receive it automatically later. So, if you'd rather wait for a more stable release, you can skip this build without missing out on the new features that will eventually arrive.
This update marks a significant step forward in the evolution of Windows 11, especially for those using Copilot+ devices. The improvements implemented, both in usability and performance, position to KB5053656 as one of the most complete builds so far this yearSince this is a preliminary version, it is advisable to evaluate the installation based on the specific needs of each user.
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